Assessment & Orientation

MERRITTCOLLEGE

SUMMER 2011 

ORIENTATION AND ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE

MATRICULATION: -Matriculation students are required to complete steps below prior to enrolling into class.

1) Attend an Orientation.  2) Take an Assessment Test. 3) Meet with a counselor.

ORIENTATION

• New students are required to attend Orientation (please call 510-436-2475 for more information).
• On the day of Orientation, come 15 minutes early to check-in at the reception area in R109.  No one will be admitted late!
• Bring a valid photo ID.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment will be conducted during the times listed below by appointment only. However, drop-in may be available if there are seats open and on a first-come, first-serve, drop-in basis.To make an appointment for Assessment & Orientation, please call Counseling Department (510) 436-2475.

Notice: Make sure that you’re clearly stated your name and correct contact information (email address, phone number, etc.) with requested date and time of assessment when you’re sending an email or leaving a message to make an appointment. Until a confirmation email or a phone call from Merritt College Assessment Center is sent to you, you DO NOT have an appointment reserved.

Ability to Benefit (ATB) Testing

Students who don’t have a High School Diploma or GED and wish to apply for Financial Aid are required to take ATB Test.

Ability to Benefit tests are offered by appointment only.  Please call (510) 436-2465 (Financial Aid Office) to arrange a time.

Assessment for ESL Students

ESL students can also call (510) 536-1830 or visit the center at 1900 #1C Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601 (at the corner of Fruitvale Avenue and Foothill Blvd.) for ESL Assessment.

Assessment for Students With Disabilities

If you have a disability which requires alternative arrangements or materials, please contact Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) at (510) 436-2429, in room R108.

ASSESSMENTCENTER

• Be at least 15 minutes early(your appointment will be given away if you are late), check-in at the reception area in R109.
• Bring a valid photo ID.
• No children or food/drink are permitted. Cellular phones and pagers must be turned off during Orientation and Assessment.
• Students must have a current application on filewith Admissions and Records before attending Orientation and Assessment.

The following placement tests are offered during the times shown below.  Please note the approximate time to complete each test:                        

+ English and Math – allow 2 hours                               + Math only – allow 30 minutes                           

+ English only – allow 1.5 hours                                     + English as a Second Language (ESL) – allow 1.5 hours

ARRIVE EARLY ENOUGH TO COMPLETE YOUR ASSESSMENT BEFORE THE ASSESSMENT CENTER CLOSES.

About Assessment & Orientation

Many students who are new to college will attend an assessment and orientation session as part of their process to enroll in classes. The purpose of the assessment is to provide students with information regarding their current skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The results of the assessment, along with other information provided by the student, will be used by counseling staff to assist the student in selecting appropriate courses. The assessment is not used to bar anyone from enrollment in the college, but rather to aid students to choose the best classes based on academic skill level. Special testing is provided for students whose native language is not English. This is called ESL (English as a Second Language) assessment.

During orientation, students are provided with information regarding the college's programs and services. Students receive information regarding: programs and majors; degree, certificate, and transfer requirements; support services; and other useful information.

Click here for the Assessment Offices Contact Information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1)   What are the assessments like, and how can I prepare for them?

The math and English assessments are multiple-choice tests. They are un-timed and offered via computer. Your score (the number of correct answers) will correspond with a math and/or English class, that will be recommended for you. You will discuss your results with a counselor (see #3 below).

Most students do not study or prepare for these tests; the assessment results should reflect your current skill level and ability. However, some students want to review math material they have studied in the past, but may have forgotten, and some students feel out of practice taking tests and find it helpful to refresh their test-taking skills. Helpful resources might be books designed to help people prepare for the CBEST, SAT, ACT, or other multiple-choice standardized test—such study guides can be found in public libraries or commercial bookstores.

2)   Who takes the assessment tests? Who attends the orientations?

The assessment tests and orientations are available to all students. Many students are recommended for assessment and orientation because when they submit their admissions application they have noted an educational goal that identifies them as matriculating* students. The matriculating student's educational goals are one of the following: to obtain a bachelor's degree (with or without an associate degree); to earn an associate degree, vocational degree, or vocational certificate; to improve basic skills in English and math; or “undecided” on an educational goal.
     
Some students are exempt from the assessment tests and orientation because they already earned a degree from an accredited institution, have successfully completed recent English and/or math courses at another college, or have an educational goal that does not require assessment. Please see a full description of this information in the class schedule or college catalog, or ask counseling or assessment staff for details.

*Matriculate: one who is admitted as a student to a college or university.

3)   What comes after the assessment and orientation?

You will review your assessment results with a college academic counselor to confirm that the recommended courses are best for you. The assessment results, along with other information you provide, will be used to evaluate these recommendations. All students should read descriptions of their recommended classes, and be prepared to discuss the courses they would like to take in the upcoming term when meeting with a counselor. During the orientation session, we will review the next steps in the enrollment process, and students will receive program-planning materials.

4)   Do I have to take the classes that are recommended?

Not always. At times a student and counselor will agree that another course is more useful or appropriate for the student. In some cases students may want to challenge a pre-requisite course (the required successful completion of a course before enrolling in another course); you may ask a counselor about the process to challenge a pre-requisite class.

5)   What if I don't want to take the assessment or attend the orientation?

If you do not qualify for exemption, and want to waive or refuse the assessment and/or orientation, please ask a counselor about the process for filing a petition for waiver or refusal. You may file this petition, and provide the required supporting documentation.